Before answering this question, it needs to be clear what is the purpose of painting, anti-aging? Fade proof? Or are you tired and want to change your color? Whatever the purpose, please read through this article, you will have the answer.
On a physical level, paint can be attached to almost any surface, so it is theoretically possible to paint composite decking. But when you actually decide to paint, you want to be sure of your types of composite decking. 1st generation composite decking (uncapped) can be painted, but you will lose eligibility for the warranty. Second generation and above coextruded composite decking (capped) painting is prohibited. ASA decking doesn’t need to paint at all. So, technically, paint composite decking is "feasible but not recommended."
paint composite decking
This article will be from the composite deck types, paint pros and cons, operation steps, color preservation alternatives and other aspects of a comprehensive analysis, to help you make an informed decision whether to paint composite decking.
Identify deck type before paint composite decking
Composite decking can be divided into three categories. and the difference in its structure determines whether it can be painted.
It is made by mixing and pressing wood fibers, plastic, and additives. The color is mixed into the ingredients as an additive. The surface of the formed board has more pores, and its texture is similar to natural wood, but it has weak anti-staining and anti-fading capabilities.
Can be painted. Although the surface is less porous than wood, through appropriate processing (such as sanding and priming), the paint can adhere well to the board surface. It is suitable for scenarios where there is severe fading, staining, or when you want to change the color due to aesthetic fatigue.
The core is a mixture of wood fibers and plastic, and the outside is wrapped with a protective shell of PE (polyethylene) or PVC polymer, forming a smooth and non-porous surface. This shell gives the decking excellent anti-staining, anti-scratching, and anti-ultraviolet properties, and the color stability is stronger.
The surface of the protective shell is too smooth for the paint to adhere. Even if it is reluctantly painted, the paint will quickly peel off and blister. In addition, sanding the protective shell will damage its structure, resulting in the invalidation of the warranty (almost all manufacturers clearly prohibit painting decking with a cladding layer).
ASA decking
ASA decking is made by copolymerizing styrene, acrylonitrile, and acrylic rubber. ASA material contains about 50% acrylic components, which is more beneficial for anti-aging and anti-fading when used outdoors in terms of material properties.
ASA is one of the world’s recognized high – molecular materials with the best anti-fading effect for outdoor use. Its characteristic of having a fading rate of no more than 5% within 15 years determines that there is no need to paint at all.
Pros and Cons of Painting Composite Decking
Pros of Painting Composite Decking: Only Applicable to Uncapped Composite Decking
Achieve color freedom: Get rid of the color limitations of the original factory. You can adjust the color of the deck locally or globally according to the decoration style (for example, changing from dark brown to light gray, or using bright colors to enhance the vitality of the space). When you’re tired of the color, you can change it at any time according to your preferences. Cover up flaws: Slight scratches, fading, or stains can be covered by painting, saving the replacement cost. Renovate old decks: For uncapped composite decking that has been used for many years, repainting can make the old deck look brand new.
Cons of Painting Composite Decking: Reasons Why It Is Feasible but Not Recommended
The paint adhesion is relatively poor: The plastic components in composite decking determine that the surface of the board is relatively smooth, making it difficult for the paint to adhere to the board surface for a long time. As a result, the paint will peel off, flake, and blister. Increased maintenance costs: The core advantage of composite decking replacing traditional wood is its low – maintenance property. Its anti-fading and anti-ultraviolet properties can avoid the cumbersome process of regular painting. Painting, however, turns it into a high-maintenance product. It’s not only time – consuming and labor – intensive but also costly. Destroyed the protective layer: Second – generation and above co-extruded composite decking uses co-extrusion sealing technology. The special formula of the surface layer (pure polymer + anti-UV agent) is designed specifically for anti-fading and anti-ultraviolet. The paint will cover this "technological armor" and form a more fragile surface layer, with the opposite effect. Hidden dangers caused by thermal expansion and contraction: The thermal expansion coefficients of composite decking and paint are different. Temperature fluctuations will cause interfacial stress, accelerating the cracking and delamination of the paint film. Outdoor open – air decks, in particular, are subject to severe temperature changes. Risk of moisture: Although composite decking is moisture – resistant, after the paint layer peels off, water – collecting grooves may form. Although long – term moisture will not damage the substrate like it does to wood, it may cause mildew spots on the paint film. Warranty lapse: For contractors and end – users, the most crucial point is that all regular manufacturers list painting as an "invalid warranty" behavior. This may lead to legal disputes when other aspects of the warranty are required.
How to Paint a Composite Deck
If you’ve determined that your composite decking is uncapped and is indeed in a dilapidated state, and you’re willing to take the risk of losing the warranty, please follow these steps.
Step 1: Select the Best Composite Deck Paint
First recommendation: High – quality acrylic latex paint
Choosing the right paint is of utmost importance. The best paint for composite decking is high – quality acrylic latex paint (such as brands like Behr and Sherwin-Williams). It has good elasticity, can expand and contract with the floor due to temperature changes without cracking easily; it is resistant to sunlight and rain, and the color is long – lasting and not easy to fade; it has strong adhesion and is more firmly attached when used with a primer; it can also breathe, preventing the interior of the floor from getting damp and mildewing. For outdoors, semi-gloss or satin finishes that are easy to clean can be selected, and for indoor use with a minimalist pursuit, a matte finish can be chosen. This kind of paint has a good effect and is durable.
Best Composite Deck Paint
Types of paint to avoid:
The types of paint that are not recommended are oil-based paint and low-quality latex paint. Oily paint is slow to dry (more than 24 hours), pungent smell, and poor flexibility, easy to crack due to temperature difference, cleaning need to use organic solvents, not friendly to the environment. Low quality latex paint contains a lot of ingredients and additives, poor weather resistance, easy to powder, flake, long-term cost is higher.
Step 2: Thoroughly Clean the Deck Surface
Use a soft brush or pressure washer (pressure should not be too high) to remove dust, dirt, mold on the deck, stubborn stains can be used mild soapy water (avoid corrosive cleaners); After cleaning, ventilate and dry for 24-48 hours to ensure that there is no moisture remaining on the surface (moisture will cause the primer to blister).
Deep cleaning composite decking
Step 3: Slightly Sand to Increase Adhesion (Only for Uncapped Decking)
Use 120 – 220 – grit fine sandpaper to gently sand along the deck’s grain, removing the smooth surface layer to form a slightly rough surface (do not over – sand to damage the board). Use a vacuum cleaner or a damp cloth to wipe away the debris generated by sanding to ensure the surface is clean.
Sand composite decking surface with sandpaper
Step 4: Paint the first primer for the composite decking
The role of applying the primer is to fill the micropores on the deck surface, enhance the paint’s adhesion, and prevent the paint from peeling off due to direct contact with the plastic components.When brushing a large area, use a short hair roller (to reduce bubbles), and use a small brush to carefully handle the corners to ensure that there is no leakage; Paint evenly along the length of the deck to avoid uneven coating caused by repeated drag back and forth; Thin coating mainly, to ensure that the paint penetration rather than accumulation (too thick easy to flow, slow drying).
First coat of primer for the composite decking
Step 5: Wait for the Deck to Dry and Inspect
According to the paint instructions (usually 6 – 8 hours), gently touch the surface with your finger. If there is no fingerprint left, it’s dry. If bubbles or particles are found, gently sand them with fine sandpaper and wipe them clean.
Step 6: Second coat of paint for composite deck
The purpose is to improve the color fullness and adhesion, especially for dark or bright colors. It should be noted that the application direction of the second coat is the same as that of the first coat to ensure a unified overall texture. After the second coat of paint dries for 48 hours, it is allowed to be stepped on or have heavy objects placed on it (in low – temperature and high – humidity environments, the drying time needs to be extended).
Step 7: Maintenance After Painting composite decking
Remove the dust from the deck with a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner every week, and wipe the deck surface with neutral soapy water every month. Avoid using steel wool or acidic cleaners (such as toilet cleaners) to prevent damage to the paint. If local peeling is found, first sand the edges with sandpaper, remove the loose paint, and then touch up with the same – colored paint (it is recommended to keep the remaining paint to maintain color consistency). For outdoor patios, avoid sharp objects from scratching (such as metal chair legs), and when moving furniture indoors, lift and place it gently to reduce friction.
The Correct Solution for composite decking Color Retention
If you want to paint the deck because of fading or local scratches, you may want to learn about the industry’s standard solutions. Deep cleaning: For slight fading or stains, use a special cleaner for composite decks (such as TSP cleaner) in conjunction with a pressure washer (in low – pressure mode). This can remove the surface oxide layer and restore the original factory color. According to experience, deep cleaning can restore more than 70% of the original appearance.
Use special repair agents:There are repair products designed specifically for composite materials on the market (such as Deck Restore). They contain nano – level pigments and protective ingredients, can fill in fine scratches and brighten the color. There is no need for a full – paint application, and it does not affect the warranty (compatible products need to be selected).
Composite decking repair agent
Use a heat gun:For local oxidation fading or scratches on uncapped composite decking, experienced people may use a heat gun to lighten the marks (not for color change!). However, this operation is highly technical and is not suitable for ordinary homeowners.
Replace the deck: If the deck has faded and aged significantly, or if you’re completely tired of the current color, you can directly replace the deck with co-extruded composite decking or ASA decking to solve the problem once and for all. These two types of composite decking have rich colors and excellent anti-fading capabilities, and the long – term cost is lower. You can visit the website of ecoxplank to learn more about various composite decking and choose the one that satisfies you the most.
Conclusion
Painting composite decking is usually "feasible but not recommended." Uncapped decking can technically be painted, but it will invalidate the warranty and requires regular maintenance, making it more suitable for short – term or budget – limited renovations. Capped and ASA decking should never be painted, and cleaning or replacement should be considered instead. In any case, before painting, it is recommended to consult the manufacturer to confirm the product type and warranty terms, and try to see the effect in a small corner. The core advantage of composite floors is low maintenance, and painting instead increases the burden. If you insist on painting , be sure to choose high – quality materials and accept the increased maintenance costs. Please rationally weigh aesthetics and practicality.
